• Second-Ranked International Defenseman Played With Sweden’s Skellefteå AIK in 2022-23

The Detroit Red Wings today selected defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka in the first round (17th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Sandin Pellikka spent part of the 2022-23 season with Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League, recording five points (2-3-5) and a plus-two rating in 22 games. His five points were the most of any defenseman 18 years of age or younger in Sweden’s highest professional league. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound blueliner logged a plus-one rating and two penalty minutes in seven Champions Hockey League games, helping Skellefteå AIK reach the quarterfinals of the competition. Additionally, Sandin Pellikka was named the best defenseman in Sweden’s top junior league after racking up 36 points (16-20-36), a plus-15 rating and 64 penalty minutes in 31 games with Skellefteå AIK’s under-20 team, along with one assist in two postseason appearances. He also contributed three points (2-1-3) in five playoff games with Skellefteå AIK’s under-18 squad. Sandin Pellikka entered tonight’s draft ranked second on NHL’s Central Scouting list among international defensemen.

A native of Gällivare, Sweden, Sandin Pellikka split the 2021-22 campaign between Skellefteå AIK’s under-20 and under-18 teams. He tallied three points (1-2-3), a plus-three rating and six penalty minutes with the under-20 group, in addition to 21 points (9-12-21) and 12 penalty minutes in 30 contests at the under-18 level. Sandin Pellikka has developed with Skellefteå AIK since 2019-20, notching 39 points (17-22-39), a plus-18 rating and 70 penalty minutes in 45 games at the under-20 level, 22 points (9-13-22) in 40 games with the under-18 team and 12 points (3-9-12) in 24 games for the under-16 squad.

On the international stage, Sandin Pellikka represented Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship tallying one assist and six penalty minutes in seven games. He earned a silver medal at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, compiling 11 points (2-9-11), a plus-eight rating in seven appearances. Sandin Pellikka also won a silver medal at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, dishing out two assists in five games.

Detroit currently has eight picks for the second day of the 2023 Entry Draft: three in the second round (41st, 42nd and 43rd), one in the third round (73rd), one in the fourth round (117th), one in the fifth round (137th), one in the sixth round (169th) and one in the seventh round (201st).

• Seventh-Ranked North American Skater Recorded 78 Points in 68 Games With WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings

The Detroit Red Wings today selected center Nate Danielson in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Danielson captained the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings during the 2022-23 season and ranked among the team leaders with 33 goals (1st), 45 assists (1st), 78 points (1st), 38 penalty minutes (T10th), 13 power play goals (1st), 38 power play points (1st), three shorthanded goals (1st), five game-winning goals (T1st), 244 shots (2nd) in 68 games. His 78 points were the most by a Wheat Kings player since the 2018-19 campaign. The 6-foot-2, 186-pound forward was named to the WHL East Division’s Second All-Star Team and competed at the 2023 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Danielson also averaged over a point-per-game during the 2021-22 campaign, tallying 57 points (23-34-57), a plus-18 rating and 34 penalty minutes in 53 games, in addition to three points (1-2-3) in six postseason contests. Danielson made his WHL debut with Brandon in 2020-21, logging 15 points (3-12-15), a plus-one rating and eight penalty minutes in 24 appearances. In total, Danielson has compiled 150 points (59-91-150), a plus-seven rating and 80 penalty minutes in 140 WHL games.

A native of Edmonton, Alb., Danielson notched 10 points (6-4-10) and 10 penalty minutes in five games with the Red Deer Chiefs under-18 squad prior to the start of the 2020-21 WHL season. Danielson competed for Northern Alberta X-Treme Prep in the Canada Sport School Hockey League during the 2019-20 campaign, logging 60 points (26-34-60) in 27 games, along with five points (1-4-5) in two postseason contests. He played with the Red Deer Rebels AAA program from 2017-19, amassing 85 points (35-50-85) in 65 games at the under-15 level, along with 23 points (10-13-23) in 14 playoff matchups. On the international stage, Danielson won a bronze medal with Team Canada at the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics in Lausanne, Switzerland, recording three points (2-1-3) and a plus-four rating in four games.

Detroit currently has another selection in the first round (17th overall) and eight picks for the second day of the 2023 Entry Draft: three in the second round (41st, 42nd and 43rd), one in the third round (73rd), one in the fourth round (117th), one in the fifth round (137th), one in the sixth round (169th) and one in the seventh round (201st).

Eight-Game Schedule Features Two-Game Sets with Chicago, Pittsburgh, Toronto and Washington

The Detroit Red Wings today announced their 2023-24 preseason schedule.

The 2023-24 Red Wings will take to the ice for the first time when hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings will then play a home-and-home against the Washington Capitals – traveling to Washington on Thursday, Sept. 28 for a 7:00 p.m. game before hosting the Capitals at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Detroit will open the month of October with a home tilt against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m. The Red Wings will wrap-up the preseason with four games in five nights, including three straight road games. The first back-to-back features road tilts at Chicago on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 8:30 p.m. and at Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7:00 p.m. Detroit will conclude the preseason with a pair of games against the Toronto Maple Leafs – squaring off against the Original Six rival in Toronto on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7:00 p.m. and at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Ticket on-sale information for the preseason and regular season will be announced at a later date. Fans can sign up for the Single-Game Ticket Presale List to have an opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public by visiting DetroitRedWings.com/Presale.

The 2023-24 preseason schedule to date can be found below.

DETROIT RED WINGS 2023-24 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

                       DATE  DAY                                        SITE                                        TIME (ET)

September     26        Tue.     PITTSBURGH           Little Caesars Arena               7:00 p.m.

                       28        Thu.     at Washington          Capital One Arena                  7:00 p.m.

                       30        Sat.     WASHINGTON           Little Caesars Arena               7:00 p.m.

October          1          Sun.    CHICAGO                   Little Caesars Arena               7:00 p.m.

                       3          Tue.     at Chicago                 United Center                         8:30 p.m.

                       4          Wed.   at Pittsburgh              PPG Paints Arena                  7:00 p.m.

                       6          Fri.       at Toronto                  Scotiabank Arena                   7:00 p.m.

                       7          Sat.     TORONTO                  Little Caesars Arena               7:00 p.m.

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As the Tigers joined the Detroit Economic Club at MotorCity Casino Hotel, students from all over the state were excited to hear from members of the organization including president of baseball operations, Scott Harris and manager, A.J. Hinch. Kerry Carpenter (outfielder), Jake Rogers (catcher), and Spencer Torkelson (first baseman) also took part in a question and answer panel.

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• Thousands gathered in the historic Fox Theatre to honor the trailblazing businessperson

• Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May 8, 2024 ‘Marian Ilitch Day’ in honor of the first Little Caesars store opening, marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurism in Michigan

• National Hockey League proclaimed Marian Ilitch “The most impactful woman owner in the league”

Marian Ilitch, a powerful force in business, sports, public service and philanthropy for decades, was recently honored for her lifetime achievements and contributions to business and community. During a private event at the Fox Theatre – the national historic landmark that Marian and her late husband Mike lovingly restored – state, city and community leaders, colleagues, local students, family and friends gathered to celebrate Marian’s impact of the lives of so many.“

Mom, for over 90 years, it has been your nature to work hard, stay in the background, and humbly support others,” her son and CEO, Ilitch Companies, Chris Ilitch said to open the celebration. “Today, it is our honor to shine the spotlight on you and acknowledge and celebrate all you have accomplished over your lifetime to help your family, friends, franchisees, colleagues, and community.”

Born in Dearborn to Macedonian immigrants, Marian, a first-generation American, was raised on hard work, which she used to become one of the most successful businesswomen in the country.

During the event, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared May 8, 2024 ‘Marian Ilitch Day,’ explaining that the date represents the day in 1959 when Marian and Mike co-founded a small business, Little Caesars Pizza Treat. Through years of hard work, Little Caesars is now the third-largest pizza chain in the world.“

To honor Marian, I encourage every Michigander to shop at a small business on Marian Ilitch Day. There is no better way to honor the impact of Mrs. I than by uplifting the small business owners who are the backbone of our state’s economy,” said Whitmer. “Today, and every day, let’s work hard to follow in Marian’s footsteps and build a Michigan where everyone can succeed.”

Always entrepreneurs at heart, Marian and Mike expanded their interests over the years to include food, sports, entertainment, gaming and other industries. Today, under the leadership of their son Chris, the Ilitch Companies have grown to represent 12 businesses under common private ownership that employ thousands of people in the Detroit area and around the world.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan noted that Marian and Mike’s passion for and belief in their hometown was the catalyst for tremendous growth in Detroit. “I don’t know that there is another organization driving more new construction here in Detroit, creating jobs for thousands of Detroiters and transforming our city’s skyline,” Duggan said.

In addition to Marian’s entrepreneurism and business acumen, she was a sports pioneer. As a hands-on owner of the Detroit Red Wings, Marian was the fourth woman to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Today, there are just 18 women recognized with a Stanley Cup inscription. Marian’s name appears for those four championships, along with her daughters.

Longtime National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner Gary Bettman took the opportunity to proclaim Marian as “the most impactful woman owner in the league,” acknowledging the role that she played in strengthening the league, the growth of youth hockey throughout the United States and improving the lives of the residents of her community.

Since 2000, Marian and Mike, the Ilitch Companies, and charitable affiliates have provided more than $250 million in grants and giving, with most of it directed at impacting the city of Detroit with impactful charitable platforms and support for more than 500 Detroit-based organizations.

In 2018 Mike and Marian made a $40 million gift to Wayne State University, and the Mike Ilitch School of Business opened. This gift remains the largest in the university’s history and demonstrated their continuing commitment to the city.

“These were not just gifts to Wayne State, they were gifts to Detroit and its residents and have an impact for generations,” said M. Roy Wilson, president of Wayne State University.

Wilson was joined on stage by Virginia Kleist, dean of the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business, as well as a collection of Mike Ilitch School of Business students.

“As president of Wayne State University and a member of the Detroit community for the past decade, I can say I have encountered few people as remarkable as Mike and Marian Ilitch. They are among the most generous, reinvesting in their community in meaningful and impactful ways for decades,” said Wilson. “It has been my distinct honor to call Marian a friend.”

Mike Ilitch School of Business two-time graduate Samantha Tirakian said, “The Mike Ilitch School of Business creates opportunities for all,” before speaking directly to Marian: “It is through your contributions to this business school that I and so many other Wayne State students have accessed opportunities that would have been unthinkable otherwise, and we cannot thank you enough.”

Inspired by Marian, commitment, service and longevity was also honored at the Ilitch Companies. Chris Ilitch pointed out that across the Companies, 2,051 colleagues have worked at least 10 years; 1,312 for more than 10 years; 943 for over 20 years; and 19 whose careers have spanned more than 40 years.

“From the very beginning, she set an example to follow…lifting others up, providing them with opportunity, and cheering them on as they flourished. And as a family company, she was right there alongside them, rolling up her sleeves, working hand-in-hand. Their success was her success, and vice versa,” Chris added.

In addition to her extensive professional success, family has remained paramount to Marian. She is the proud mother to seven children, and “baba” to 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Throughout the event, Marian’s children and grandchildren shared personal stories and memories about how she made them feel loved throughout their lives.

“Thank you, mom, for setting an example that inspires all of us, and challenges us, to bring out the best not only in ourselves, but in and everyone we encounter. You have laid an incredible foundation for your family, your colleagues, and your beloved Detroit, to continue building on your kindness and your legacy,” said Chris in closing.

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May 8, 2024 as Marian Ilitch Day. On May 8, 1959, Marian and Mike Ilitch opened the first Little Caesars store in Garden City, Michigan, marking a significant milestone in entrepreneurism in Michigan.

“Marian Ilitch is a trailblazing leader in business, a loving mother and grandmother, and a pillar in her community,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Through her efforts to support education and entrepreneurship, she has empowered Michiganders in every corner of our state. On Marian Ilitch Day, I encourage every Michigander to uplift the small business owners who are the backbone of our state’s economy.”  

An accomplished businesswoman and philanthropist, Marian Ilitch has dedicated her life to entrepreneurship, community development, and fostering economic growth within our state. In addition to her ownership of Little Caesars, the Detroit Red Wings and other businesses, Marian and her husband in 1985 established a mobile pizza restaurant, the Little Caesars Love Kitchen that has fed more than 6.5 million people across the U.S and Canada. They also established Ilitch Charities, a non-profit organization that has sponsored numerous programs for hundreds of children in the Detroit area and beyond. Previously a partial owner of MotorCity Casino Hotel, in 2005, Marian took full ownership, keeping the revenue in the state of Michigan, benefitting local residents. It remains the only casino in Detroit where that is the case.  

On Wednesday, June 7, Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies held the first design charrette session with representatives from the City of Detroit and members of the community to exchange ideas about programming Columbia Plaza, the pedestrian-only area in front of Comerica Park’s main entrance.

A charrette is wonderful community engagement event where stakeholders and decision makers work alongside experts to co-develop solutions. The interactive session lasted more than two hours and included community members from labor unions, veteran’s organizations, and block clubs along with representatives from multiple City of Detroit departments, providing valuable input. The sessions were facilitated by JIMA Studio and MKSK Studios in partnership with Olympia Development and Related.

JIMA Studio is a Detroit-based, woman-owned and Black-owned landscape architectural design and urban planning studio that collaborates with community groups, organizations and builders committed to culturally relevant placemaking and strategic implementation.

Founded in 1990, MKSK Studios is a Detroit collective of Planners, Urban Designers, and Landscape Architects who are passionate about the interaction between people and place. MKSK is an employee-owned practice with a network of twelve metropolitan studios.

“This is our first direct community engagement on a specific development focused on Columbia Plaza that allowed us to hear directly from the impacted community,” said Rian English-Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development. “We have had hundreds of engagements with Detroiters from all walks of life and that two-way communication will continue as our vision for an inclusive, purpose-driven development comes to life.”

The meeting was held at the University of Michigan Detroit Center. Residents heard draft proposals for activating the plaza which is being designed to build community and enhance social interaction. Attendees shared their thoughts on how the plaza can be purposeful, culturally relevant, and useful for Detroit residents and visitors.

Representatives from Olympia Development and Related presented their ten-building real estate development plan and JIMA and MKSK guided smaller breakout groups through highly interactive exercises to continue the conversation and generate ideas. Suggestions for programing at the plaza included: seasonal activation, quiet places, areas for children, a water feature, space for people to play chess and many others.

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Marian Ilitch is a leading entrepreneur in the food, sports, and entertainment industries. As a first-generation American, the daughter of Macedonian immigrants raised on grit and hard work, Marian has been recognized as one of the most successful businesswomen in the country and has inspired and created opportunities for generations of people in the city of Detroit, the state of Michigan and beyond.  

Family Values and Work Ethic

Marian was grounded by strong family values and work ethic. One of four children, born in Dearborn to parents Sam and Mitra Bayoff, Marian thrived under the structure her parents set.

She never shied away from working hard, whether it was cleaning the house with her mother or helping at her father’s restaurant filling napkin containers and salt and pepper shakers.

Marian’s first paying job was at SS Kresge in Dearborn, where she often shopped with her mother. Before marrying her husband and lifetime business partner, Mike Ilitch, Marian worked as a reservation clerk for what would become Delta Airlines in Detroit, where was captivated by the hustle and bustle of working downtown during Detroit’s prime.

While Marian was clear with her parents that she did not wish to date a Macedonian boy, she was intrigued by the possibility of going out with a baseball player – Mike Ilitch was both. Not long after meeting, she and Mike were married. They eventually would become parents to seven children, 21 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and always made family time a priority.  

An Entrepreneurial Spirit

After Marian and Mike’s third child was born, the couple invested their savings to open their own business – a single pizza shop in Garden City, Michigan called Little Caesars Pizza Treat. A few years later, they explored an exciting new business model called franchising and in 1962, the first Little Caesars franchise was sold in Warren, Michigan. It was store number four.

Working hand-in-hand, Marian and Mike grew that start-up business into a global company. Today, it’s the third largest pizza chain in the world with stores in 27 countries and territories worldwide, including in each of the 50 U.S. states.  

Mike had no shortage of ideas to expand the business, and Marian’s strong business acumen was always there to make sure the finances made sense.  

Making Sports History

In 1982, Mike and Marian saw an opportunity to leverage their growing businesses and make an impact in the city they loved so much by purchasing the Detroit Red Wings.  With the hands-on and innovative approach Mike and Marian brought to the team, the Red Wings won four championships under their stewardship and made the playoffs an unbelievable 25 consecutive years. Marian played a key role in their success.  

Marian was only the fourth woman to have her name engraved on the Stanley Cup. Today, there are just 18 women recognized with a Stanley Cup inscription. Marian’s name appears for those four championships, along with her daughters. And in 2010, she was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. 

Riding the success of the Red Wings, Mike set his sights on a team he had always dreamed of owning — the Detroit Tigers. Spurred by a desire to continue investing in Detroit, in 1992, he bought the team.

A Love for Detroit

Channeling the love she developed for Detroit as a young professional, Marian became a pioneer in the redevelopment of downtown Detroit when she and Mike purchased the Fox Theatre in 1987. They restored the neglected theatre to its original 1928 splendor and a year later moved their business headquarters to the surrounding office building.

In 1999, with determination and vision, Marian started the MotorCity Casino in partnership with Mandalay Bay, transforming the former Wonder Bread factory in Detroit into a destination. In 2005, Marian took full ownership and added a hotel, the revenue in the state of Michigan, benefitting local residents. MotorCity Casino Hotel, as it is known today, remains the only casino in Detroit where that is the case.

Marian’s vision laid the groundwork for the organization’s future development in Detroit. Her son Chris, who took over as CEO of Ilitch Companies in 2004, has continued to drive progress with the opening of innovation-filled Little Caesars Arena in 2017, a new global headquarters for Little Caesars in 2020, and other new office and residential buildings in Detroit.   

Investing in the Community

Giving back to the community has been one of Marian’s trademarks since her early days in business. Marian’s spirit of giving has grown from a lifetime of experiences, achievements, and relationships. Her efforts have deeply impacted hundreds of causes and organizations that are meaningful to her and have changed the future for thousands.

As a mother to children who played youth hockey, Marian recognized the positive impact that playing the sport can have in young people’s lives, on and off the ice. She wanted to support amateur hockey, so she and Mike established the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club in 1968. It is now among the nation’s most elite amateur youth sports programs featuring Boys and Girls teams, winning 103 state championships and 23 national titles, and sending numerous players into the professional ranks. 

Following the successful creation of the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, one decade later she helped rapidly expand access to youth hockey by founding the non-profit Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League in 1978. For nearly half a century, this league has grown to feature hundreds of teams and approximately 15,000 student athletes across the country. 

In 1985, and to help those in need, Marian and Mike created the Little Caesars Love Kitchen program. It consists of two big-rig trucks on the road to serve pizza meals to the food insecure, people without housing, disaster survivors, military and first responders and others. To date, more than 6.5 million people have been served. The Little Caesars Love Kitchen has been awarded two President’s Volunteer Action Awards and a Presidential Citation.  

In 2018 Mike and Marian made a $40 million gift to Wayne State University, and the Mike Ilitch School of Business opened. This gift remains the largest in the university’s history and demonstrated a continuing commitment to the city by Mike and Marian. In 2023, Marian received an honorary degree – a doctor of laws, honoris causa, from Wayne State University. The honorary doctorate is the highest academic recognition the university can confer.  

“Giving back to the communities in which we do business has been a part of my parents’ operating philosophy since the very early stages of their careers,” Chris Ilitch said. “Those values and the drive to make a positive impact on people’s lives remains a focus of organization today.”

Lasting Legacy

Marian and Mike expanded their interests over the years to include food, sports, entertainment, gaming and other industries. Today, under the leadership of their son Chris, the Ilitch Companies have grown to represent 12 businesses under common private ownership that employ thousands of people in the Detroit area and around the world.  

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313 Presents announced today they have entered into a multi-year corporate partnership agreement with Oakland University Credit Union (OU Credit Union) as the exclusive Proud Partner of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre on the campus of Oakland University. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are excited to welcome Oakland University Credit Union as the exclusive Proud Partner of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre,” said 313 Presents President Howard Handler. “313 Presents and Oakland University Credit Union have both been longtime partners to Oakland University, so you couldn’t ask for a better fit. Together, we look forward to providing the best in live entertainment and service to our guests.”

“As part of our core value of giving back to the community, OU Credit Union is thrilled to be the exclusive Proud Partner of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre,” said Susi Elkins, OU Credit Union Chief Community Impact Officer. “Located on Oakland University’s campus, the Amphitheatre is a unique space where our members and the community can come together to enjoy live music and entertainment. This partnership is just one of the ways we are working together to create a vibrant community for all.”

“We are thrilled that Oakland University Credit Union has entered into this exciting partnership with 313 Presents for the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre,” said John O. Young, Oakland University Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “This is a perfect partner for a site with such deep roots and history.”

OU Credit Union becomes the exclusive presenting partner and official credit union of Meadow Brook Amphitheatre. 313 Presents will incorporate OU Credit Union branding components, including signage and graphic displays throughout the venue grounds, and social and web integration online.

The Credit Union has had a long-standing partnership and history of serving Oakland University faculty, staff, students and alumni, helping them reach their financial goals and dreams.

313 Presents oversees managing, marketing and booking of the 7,700-capacity amphitheatre as part of an agreement with Oakland University. Meadow Brook’s traditional and eclectic programming has flourished over the years and has recently become a destination for music’s biggest emerging stars. Today, concerts of all genres highlight and showcase the venue’s unique ambiance and intimate setting.

Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy brings “The Sonder Tour” with special guest Sasha Alex Sloan to officially open the summer schedule at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre this Friday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m.

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